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Digital Banking Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes—First Tech does not charge any fees for using Apple Pay or other digital wallets. You can enjoy the convenience and security of mobile payments at no extra cost.

However, some digital wallet providers may have their own terms and conditions. We recommend reviewing those directly to understand if any fees apply based on your usage or device settings.

Security Tip: Apple Pay uses advanced encryption and biometric authentication to help keep your transactions safe.

Learn more about Digital Wallets with First Tech.

Yes—digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Wallet® are designed with security in mind, and in many cases, they’re even safer than using a physical card.

Here’s why:

  • Your actual card number isn’t shared.
    When you make a purchase, the wallet sends a unique, one-time-use code or temporary card number to the merchant. This keeps your real card number private and helps prevent fraud.

  • Built-in device security.
    Digital wallets use your phone or device’s security features—like biometrics (fingerprint or face recognition) and passcodes—to verify your identity before a transaction is approved.

  • Encrypted transactions.
    Every payment is encrypted, making it harder for hackers or unauthorized users to access your information.

Tip: Always keep your device software up to date and enable biometric authentication for added protection.

Learn more about Digital Wallets with First Tech.

Absolutely! You can add multiple First Tech cards to your digital wallet for easy, secure access—whether you're using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or another wallet. Just keep in mind that some wallets may ask you to choose a default card for quick payments.

Tip: You can switch your default card anytime in your wallet settings.


Why members love this feature:

  • Convenience: Carry less, do more—your cards are always with you.
  • Security: Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization to help keep your info safe.
  • Flexibility: Use the card that fits your needs, whether you're shopping online or in-store.

Helpful Resources:

Yes, you can!


You’re free to use multiple digital wallets—like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, and others—depending on what works best for you. Some are perfect for in-store purchases, while others are great for sending money to friends or shopping online.

Pro tip: Using more than one wallet gives you flexibility and convenience, so you can pay your way—anytime, anywhere.


Why members love this feature:

  • Freedom to choose: Use the wallet that fits your lifestyle.
  • Secure by design: Each wallet uses advanced encryption and tokenization to help protect your information.
  • Always on hand: Whether you're on your phone, tablet, or smartwatch, your wallet is just a tap away.

Helpful Resources:

Yes—you’re fully covered.


When you make a purchase using your First Tech card through a digital wallet (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay), you still receive all the same protections you’d get with your physical card. That includes:

  • Zero Liability Fraud Protection – You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions.
  • Purchase Assurance – Eligible purchases may be covered against damage or theft.
  • Advanced Security – Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization to help keep your card details safe.

Good to know: Your digital wallet adds an extra layer of security by never sharing your actual card number with merchants.


Why members trust this feature:

  • Peace of mind: Your card benefits stay with you—no matter how you pay.
  • Secure by design: Digital wallets are built to protect your information.
  • Tech-forward convenience: Tap, pay, and go with confidence.

Helpful Resources:

It’s quick and easy—just follow a few steps.

Each digital wallet has its own setup process, but they all make it simple to add your First Tech card. Here are direct links to the most popular wallet providers to help you get started:

  • Apple Pay Setup
  • Google Pay Setup
  • Samsung Wallet Setup

Tip: Make sure your card is activated and your device has the latest software update before adding it to your wallet.


Why members love this feature:

  • Fast and secure payments: Tap and go with confidence.
  • All your cards in one place: Manage multiple cards from your phone or smartwatch.
  • Built-in protection: Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization to help keep your card info safe.

Helpful Resources:

It depends on your device—but it’s usually built right in.


Most smartphones come with a digital wallet already installed, like Apple Pay on iPhones or Google Pay on Android devices. If your phone doesn’t have one preloaded, you can download a trusted wallet app from your device’s app store.

Tip: Always download wallet apps from official sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play to help keep your information secure.


Getting started is easy:

  1. Open your wallet app (or download one you trust).
  2. Follow the prompts to add your First Tech card.
  3. Verify your card—you may be asked to confirm via text, email, or a quick call.
  4. Start using your wallet for secure, contactless payments.

Helpful Resources:

It’s simple—and secure.

Each digital wallet has its own steps for removing a card, but the process is quick and easy. Just open your wallet app, select the card you want to remove, and follow the prompts.

To help you get started, here are direct links to instructions from the most popular wallet providers:

  • Remove a card from Apple Pay
  • Remove a card from Google Pay
  • Remove a card from Samsung Wallet

Tip: Removing a card from your wallet does not cancel the card itself. If you need to report a lost or stolen card, contact us immediately.


Why members appreciate this feature:

  • Control at your fingertips: Easily manage your cards anytime.
  • Security-first: Removing a card from your wallet helps protect your account if your device is lost or stolen.
  • Flexible and fast: Make changes in seconds—no need to call or visit a branch.

Helpful Resources:

It’s easy—and makes checkout even faster.
Setting your First Tech card as your default payment method ensures it’s the first card used when you tap to pay. Each digital wallet has its own steps, so we’ve included direct links to help you get started:

  • Set default card in Apple Pay
  • Set default card in Google Pay
  • Set default card in Samsung Wallet

Tip: You can change your default card anytime in your wallet settings—just open the app and follow the prompts.


Why members love this feature:

  • Speed and simplicity: Your go-to card is ready with just a tap.
  • Smart control: Easily manage which card is used first.
  • Secure by design: Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization to help protect your card info.

Helpful Resources:

It’s fast, secure, and simple.
When you shop at an online store that supports digital wallets, you’ll see options like Apple PayGoogle Pay, or Samsung Pay at checkout. Just select your preferred wallet and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.

Tip: Make sure your First Tech card is added to your digital wallet and set as your default for an even smoother checkout experience.


Why members love this feature:

  • Quick checkout: Skip typing in card details—just tap and go.
  • Enhanced security: Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization to help protect your payment info.
  • Works across devices: Pay from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Helpful Resources:

Act quickly to protect your account.
If your physical First Tech card is lost or stolen—or if you suspect your digital wallet has been compromised—you are empowered to act right away. Login to your online account and access the Manage Cards Widget to secure your account and issue a replacement card if needed.

 

Tip: If your card is linked to a digital wallet, removing it from the wallet app can help prevent unauthorized use while we assist you.


Why quick action matters:

  • Zero Liability Protection: You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions if reported promptly.
  • Fast replacement: We’ll help you get a new card and restore access quickly.
  • Peace of mind: Our fraud team is here to support you every step of the way.

Helpful Resources:

A digital wallet is a secure, convenient way to pay—without reaching for your physical card.
It stores your First Tech card information safely on your phone, tablet, or smartwatch, so you can make purchases online or in-store with just a tap or click. Digital wallets also allow you to send money, shop online, and complete transactions without manually entering your card details.

Popular digital wallets include:

  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay (part of Samsung Wallet)

Tip: Digital wallets use advanced security features like encryption and tokenization to help protect your card information.


Why members love digital wallets:

  • Fast and frictionless: Pay in seconds—no need to swipe, insert, or type.
  • Secure by design: Your actual card number is never shared with merchants.
  • Always accessible: Use your wallet across devices, anytime, anywhere.

Helpful Resources:

Your First Tech cards work with most major digital wallets—giving you flexibility and security wherever you shop.
You can use your First Tech debit and credit cards with popular digital wallet services, including:

  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay (part of Samsung Wallet)
  • Garmin Pay
  • Mastercard Click to Pay – Enroll here

Tip: Some retailers, like Amazon and Walmart, offer their own wallet features within their apps and websites. You can securely store your First Tech card for faster checkout.


Why members love this feature:

  • Wide compatibility: Use your card across devices, platforms, and retailers.
  • Secure by design: Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization to help protect your card info.
  • Frictionless checkout: Tap, click, or scan—your card is ready when you are.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s make sure your new password meets all the requirements.
To help keep your account secure, your password must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 12 characters long
  • Includes one uppercase letter
  • Includes one lowercase letter
  • Includes one number
  • Includes one special character (like !, @, #, etc.)
  • You can’t reuse any of your last three passwords

Tip: When resetting your password, be sure to manually select the email or phone number you'd like us to use to send your temporary password.


Why these rules matter:

  • Protects your account: Strong passwords help prevent unauthorized access.
  • Keeps your data safe: Our system is designed to block weak or reused passwords.
  • Supports secure recovery: Choosing your contact method ensures your reset info goes where you expect.

Helpful Resources:

Yes—you’re in control. Personalizing your account view is simple and secure.

Here’s how to update your account display:

  1. Log in to Online Banking.
  2. Click the Settings icon in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select the Accounts tab.
  4. Choose Reorder Accounts to change the order they appear.
  5. You can also:
    • Rename accounts with nicknames that make sense to you.
    • Hide accounts you don’t want to see every time you log in.

Pro tip: Your nicknames will also show up when you contact us, making it easier for us to assist you quickly.

Explore more Online Banking features

Keeping your contact info current is quick and secure. Here’s how to make updates anytime:

  1. Log in to Online Banking.
  2. Click your name at the top of the screen.
  3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
  4. Go to the Contact tab.
  5. Click Edit next to the detail you want to update.
  6. Make your changes, then click Save Changes.

For your protection, we may ask you to verify your identity before saving updates.

Helpful Resources

Yes—you can personalize your dashboard to fit your needs. You can choose up to five “Favorite” features to display in your main menu for quick access.

Here’s how to manage your favorites:

  1. Log in to Online Banking.
  2. Select More from the dashboard menu.
  3. Click Widget Options.
  4. You’ll be taken to the Widgets tab in Settings.
  5. From there, you can:
    • Click the star icon to favorite or unfavorite features.
    • Drag and drop your favorites to reorder them.
    • Add or remove features listed under More.

     

    Note: Changes made here will also apply to your view in the First Tech mobile app.

 Learn more about customizing your dashboard 

Transferring a balance to your First Tech credit card is fast, secure, and easy. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Log in to Online Banking or the First Tech App.
  2. Select Manage Cards from your dashboard.
  3. Choose the First Tech credit card you want to transfer a balance to.
  4. Click Balance Transfer.
  5. Enter the required details for the other financial institution.
    •  Make sure the address you provide is specifically for credit card payments.

 For your protection, we may ask you to verify your identity before completing the transfer.

Helpful Resources

Getting started is quick and secure. You can enroll in Digital Banking in two easy ways:

  1. Online: Visit our Digital Banking Enrollment page and follow the step-by-step instructions.
  2. Mobile App: Download the First Tech App from the App Store or Google Play and tap Enroll Now.

Once enrolled, you’ll have secure access to your accounts anytime, anywhere—plus tools to help you manage your money, track spending, and reach your financial goals.

Security Tip: Make sure your contact information is up to date so we can verify your identity and keep your account safe.

Helpful Resources

Online Banking gives you powerful tools to manage your money—anytime, anywhere. Here’s what you can do:

  • Monitor your accounts in real time
  • Set up alerts to stay informed about activity and balances
  • Pay and manage bills with ease
  • Transfer money to yourself, friends, or even internationally
  • Update your contact information securely
  • Access budgeting tools to help you stay on track
  • Send secure messages to our support team
  • And so much more—all designed to help you reach your financial goals.

Whether you're at home or on the go, Online Banking keeps you connected to your credit union and in control of your finances.

 Explore Overlooked Online Banking Features